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Proposed by Mrs Dean and seconded by Ida Linfield
“While the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 has taken steps to tackle the problem of ex-offenders having no accommodation, prisoners who are released following an incarceration period of over 14 days currently receive a discharge grant of just £46, which has not changed since 1997. If they are entitled to Universal Credit, the first payment will not be made until approximately 5 weeks* after the claim has been made. This leaves many discharged prisoners left to resort to food banks and increases the risk of them committing further crimes against Kent residents. In the event of the latter, it will also be Kent taxpayers left footing the bill when police resources need to be deployed.
The council believes that the current arrangements do not provide sufficient funds to cover the basic needs of an ex-offender residing in Kent. The council therefore calls on the UK government to carry out a review and ensure that sufficient provisions are in place for the interim period between an ex-offender leaving prison and receiving their first universal credit payment.”
*As stated by the Department for Work & Pensions
Minutes:
(1) Mrs Dean moved and Ida Linfield seconded the following motion:
“The County Council notes:
a) While the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 has taken steps to tackle the problem of ex-offenders having no accommodation, prisoners who are released following an incarceration period of over 14 days currently receive a discharge grant of just £46, which has not changed since 1997. If they are entitled to Universal Credit, the first payment will not be made until approximately 5 weeks after the claim has been made. This leaves many discharged prisoners left to resort to food banks and increases the risk of them committing further crimes against Kent residents. In the event of the latter, it will also be Kent taxpayers left footing the bill when police resources need to be deployed.
b) The council believes that the current arrangements do not provide sufficient funds to cover the basic needs of an ex-offender residing in Kent. The council therefore calls on the UK government to carry out a review and ensure that sufficient provisions are in place for the interim period between an ex-offender leaving prison and receiving their first universal credit payment.
(2) Mr Gibbens proposed and Mrs Bell seconded the following amendment:
“The County Council
notes:
a) While the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 has taken steps to tackle the problem of ex-offenders having no accommodation, prisoners who are released following an incarceration period of over 14 days currently receive a discharge grant of just £46, which has not changed since 1997. If they are entitled to Universal Credit, the first payment may not be made until approximately 5 weeks after the claim has been made. This leaves many discharged prisoners left to resort to food banks and increases the risk of them committing further crimes against Kent residents. In the event of the latter, it will also be Kent taxpayers left footing the bill when police resources need to be deployed.
b) The council endorses the view that it is important for all statutory agencies to work together to support ex-offenders and to ensure they are appropriately housed, rehabilitated, their health and care needs are met, encouraged and supported to find employment and reunification with their families. Therefore, the Council calls for a time limited interim report as part of the work of the proposed Housing Select Committee on how all the statutory agencies are working together in supporting subsistence for ex-offenders especially in the vital first weeks of release from prison.”
(3) Mrs Dean, as proposer of the original motion, with the agreement of her seconder agreed to accept the amendment.
(1) Following the debate, the substantive motion set out in paragraph (2) was agreed without a formal vote.
(2) RESOLVED that the County Council:
a) Notes that while the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 has taken steps to tackle the problem of ex-offenders having no accommodation, prisoners who are released following an incarceration period of over 14 days currently receive a discharge grant of just £46, which has not changed since 1997. If they are entitled to Universal Credit, the first payment may not be made until approximately 5 weeks after the claim has been made. This leaves many discharged prisoners left to resort to food banks and increases the risk of them committing further crimes against Kent residents. In the event of the latter, it will also be Kent taxpayers left footing the bill when police resources need to be deployed.
b) endorses the view that it is important for all statutory agencies to work together to support ex-offenders and to ensure they are appropriately housed, rehabilitated, their health and care needs are met, encouraged and supported to find employment and reunification with their families. Therefore, the Council calls for a time limited interim report as part of the work of the proposed Housing Select Committee on how all the statutory agencies are working together in supporting subsistence for ex-offenders especially in the vital first weeks of release from prison.